The Task

Clara used rectangles to add 2/3 and 2/6. What do you think Clara's answer would be? Use Fractions Lab to add 2/3 and 2/6. How did you answer this question using Fractions Lab?

Teachers' Notes

In this task students are encouraged to answer the question first without using Fractions Lab. This is in order to challenge them to think about the question themselves first to expose any misconceptions related to adding across the numerator and denominator (giving a solution of 4/9). The work on Fractions Lab is designed to challenge this misconception or to consolidate understanding using representations of fractions and the animation.

You can also read how to add fractions with unlike denominators by reading the Quick Start Guide, "Adding and subtracting fractions" and how to check them in "The operations box: compare, add or subtract".